Brain Injury Rehabilitation

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Leadership and staff

JEFFREY REESE

Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Reese was named CEO in April 2018 for Van Matre Rehabilitation Hospital.

Jeff Reese was named CEO in April 2018 for Van Matre Rehabilitation Hospital. Jeff comes to Van Matre from Rusk Rehabilitation Center, an Encompass Health hospital, where he served as CFO/Controller. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwest Missouri State University. He brings prior healthcare experience from the acute hospital setting at both SSM Health St. Mary’s in Jefferson City, MO and Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach, MO. Jeff feels that exceptional healthcare is achieved through building a highly trained, caring staff that pursues the highest level of independence for every patient.

RICARDO KNIGHT, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Knight completed his medical degree at the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY.

Dr. Knight completed his medical degree at the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY. He underwent residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA with a combined program in physical medicine and rehabilitation and internal medicine. He also has a master's of business administrtaion from University of Chicago. He is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Ricardo Knight, M.D. is an independent private practice physician whose office is located at the hospital.

BRAD ALMS

Brad joined Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, formerly Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, in 2009. Prior to joining the team, Brad has worked as a construction project manager and general contractor for over 18 years. He proudly served in the U.S. Marines for four years after graduating high school. Brad brings experience in construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC maintenance, project management and leadership and is certified in life safety.

ANGELA BERGMAN, RN, BSN, CRRN

Director of Quality, Risk, HIM, HIPAA

Angela began working for Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth, in 2004 as a CNA.

Angela began working for Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth, in 2004 as a CNA. She later worked as an RN and PPS Coordinator before taking the Directory of Quality position in 2013. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Anthony College of Nursing, as well as a bachelor's degree in Agriculture - Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management.

MICHELE DIEDRICHS

Michele has more than a decade of experience in healthcare with focus in the areas of home care, hospice, marketing and business development, along with payer and physician relations.

Michele has more than a decade of experience in healthcare with focus in the areas of home care, hospice, marketing and business development, along with payer and physician relations. She earned an undergraduate degree in communication disorder work from Northern Illinois University and has a MBA in health care management from University of Phoenix.

ERIC GUILE

Eric brings more than 18 years of pharmacy management experience to the director of pharmacy position at Van Matre Encompass Health, formerly Van Matre HealthSouth.

Eric brings more than 18 years of pharmacy management experience to the director of pharmacy position at Van Matre Encompass Health, formerly Van Matre HealthSouth. During this time, he has practiced in all facets of pharmaceutical care including inpatient, community and clinic settings. He is a graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy and participates in mentoring future pharmacists as an Adjunct Clinical Professor with University of Illinois at Rockford.

CHRISI KARCZ

Chief Nursing Officer

Chrisi brings more than 20 years’ nursing experience across the continuum of care to her role as chief nursing officer including orthopedic, trauma, and post-acute care.

Chrisi brings more than 20 years’ nursing experience across the continuum of care to her role as chief nursing officer including orthopedic, trauma, and post-acute care. Since 2002, she has been credentialed as an orthopedic nurse certified. She graduated from Broward Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing and Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Presently, Chrisi is finishing a master’s degree in nursing clinical leadership through Saint Xavier University. She is a member of AALTCN and NAON.

TONYA MARKERT, PT, DPT

Director of Therapy Operations

Tonya has practiced in the field of physical therapy for more than 10 years.

Tonya has practiced in the field of physical therapy for more than 10 years. She began her career with Van Matre Encompass Health, formerly Van Matre HealthSouth, in 2006, beginning as a staff physical therapist. Tonya holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Clarke University and doctor of physical therapy from Temple University. Tonya is a Neuro-IFRAH certified therapist.